Forensic Scientist 1 pay range
State of Washington · class code 505A
- Class code
- 505A
- Salary range
- 54
- Pay unit
- Year
- State
- Washington
- The State of Washington published pay range for Forensic Scientist 1 is $61,332 to $82,440 per year.
- Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) keys this classification as class code 505A.
- This is the range the plan authorises, not the salary of any individual employee.
Step progression
Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) assigns this class to salary range 54 in the General Service Salary Schedule. The range pays 13 steps; a step is normally earned on a periodic increment date, not negotiated.
| Basis | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $61,332 | $62,880 | $64,512 | $66,072 | $67,704 | $69,348 | $71,136 | $72,900 | $74,748 | $76,608 | $78,504 | $80,496 | $82,440 |
| Monthly | $5,111 | $5,240 | $5,376 | $5,506 | $5,642 | $5,779 | $5,928 | $6,075 | $6,229 | $6,384 | $6,542 | $6,708 | $6,870 |
| Hourly | $29.37 | $30.11 | $30.90 | $31.64 | $32.43 | $33.21 | $34.07 | $34.91 | $35.80 | $36.69 | $37.60 | $38.55 | $39.48 |
Steps as published. The monthly and hourly rows are the state's own, not conversions of the annual row.
Class specification
The OFM classified job specification for this class is published by Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM). The passages below are quoted from it as published, not paraphrased, and cut to their opening sentences; the full specification is the authority on duties and qualifications.
What the state says the job is
This is the entry level of the series. In a training capacity and under close supervision, positions perform beginning level analyses of physical evidence in criminal cases submitted to the forensic laboratory. Interprets analytical results, prepares written opinion reports, and may testify as an expert witness in courts of law. With on-the-job training, the incumbent learns entry-level casework in a limited area in order to become proficient in a discipline of forensic science.
Examples of the work
Documents and protects evidence according to laboratory procedures, ensuring that the chain of custody is maintained; In an assigned discipline, examines and analyzes evidence in routine-type case requests under close and detailed supervision using selected methods, techniques, and instruments; Receives training in physical evidence examination and court testimony to gain expert witness status; Reports findings in the form of a written laboratory report based on the interpretation of observations and analytical test results; Provides peer review and participates in proficiency testing to maintain expertise; Maintains laboratory instruments and equipment in good working order; May utilize a s ...
Minimum qualifications
Positions typically require a Bachelor of Science degree in forensic science, natural science, or closely related field which includes a minimum of 20 semester hours or 30 quarter hours of chemistry and 5 semester or 8 quarter hours of physics. Examples of related fields, including but not limited to, are: pharmacology, medical technology, genetics or molecular biology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, clinical chemistry, nuclear chemistry, or toxicology. Note : For DNA positions, applicants must have successfully completed at least one undergraduate or graduate level course in each of the following subjects: biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology.
Quoted from the OFM classified job specification, read 2026-10-21.
Where this comes from
Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) publishes this figure in Classified Job Listing joined to the OFM salary schedules effective July 1, 2026. Every number on this page is read from that document; nothing is estimated, modelled or averaged.
The dollar figures come from the salary schedule the listing assigns this range to.
Nearby classes in Washington
Forensic Scientist 1 in other states
| State | Minimum | Maximum | Per year at full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $67,314 | $104,338 | $67,314 to $104,338 |
| Minnesota | $64,227 | $94,503 | $64,227 to $94,503 |
| New Jersey | $79,844 | $117,228 | $79,844 to $117,228 |
| Pennsylvania | $60,538 | $92,010 | $60,538 to $92,010 |
Each state publishes its own range for a classification with this exact title. Duties, grade structures and bargaining units differ between states, so read each class page before comparing.